Relocating to NH...advice please

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I currently worked in a mixed ICU in Washington state. My husband and I are planning on relocating to New Hampshire to be closer to family - but not too close. I am very interest in Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. Would you please give me the inside scoop on working there? I recently read articles about the recent layoffs and attempts to unionize so I am a little nervous about the current hospital climate. The article specifically noted a termination of DHMC's patient transport program and I am curious how that is working out.

It appears that DHMC has 3 critical care units. I really love the variety in my current workplace. One day I can recover a post-open heart and the next take care of a septic patient. Is there opportunity to rotate between units? Also, job postings note shift rotation requirements. I'm not a huge fan of night shift. How much of a rotation is required?

Finally, I would love to get some feedback on the best areas to live in the Dartmouth area. We would like to purchase some property without going underwater trying to do this. I would like to keep my commute under 30 minutes each way. It's hard to get a good feel for a community via the internet. Anyone have the skinny on Lyme, Orford or Enfield? It looks like Canaan has a flooding issue. Any information would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I do not know much about working at DHMC, but I do know that unless you already have your BSN they will not hire you. I had applied there when I was looking to move here. I had 3 years of PICU experience in a PICU that did everything except ECMO and transplants, never got a call back even though they listed 5 open positions. After moving here and talking with others, I found out that they will not hire less than an experienced BSN.

I hope you had good luck in your search.

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Specializes in mostly pediatrics and women's care.

Hi, I see this post is a bit old. I'm wondering if you ended up moving, if you are working at Dartmouth? How have things worked out for you? I am in NC and looking to move NORTH! I am undecided on Maine, NY, NH or Vermont. HA! The places are all so different and have different pros/cons. I want to go somewhere that I can make a decent living as an RN. I have my BSN and would LOVE to step up my career from a staff RN to an educator or clinical resource manager, etc. Any advice? More importantly, HOW ARE YOU!??

Kimmie

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hi Kimmie. I have not been on allnurses in awhile and didn't see your post. I moved to NH in December and love it. I am not working yet but have a phone interview with DHMC tomorrow and had an interview at a small hospital in the area today. Funny, I am originally from NC! I have not been up to Maine yet so I cannot speak to that state. Vermont and NH have similar topography but the politics vary quite a bit. Vermont appears to be more liberal where I would say that NH is more conservative in the sense of self reliance and personal liberties area. Upstate NY is beautiful but seems to be heavily influenced by the decisions made in the NYC area. If you want to message me I can answer more questions for you. Of course it's been so long since you posted, you might already have moved!

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I'm trying to make my way back home to NH from NC! We're looking to relocate back to be near family. I'm looking in the seacoast area WDH, Portsmouth, Exeter, etc......

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Hi there--

I am also looking at relocating to lebanon area. Did you happen to find a good place close by to dhmc? I would love any ideas! I love Hanover but its just too expensive. Good luck w your interview. Did you happen to fun out approx how much RNs make? I was told under 30 w 6 years experience and I find that a little hard to believe.

Thanks for your help!

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I would look into Gile Hill apartments. They are almost on hospital property, affordable, and nice. Very kid friendly it seems (I believe they have a playground).

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On 1/15/2013 at 5:56 PM, Becster said:

Hi Kimmie. I have not been on allnurses in awhile and didn't see your post. I moved to NH in December and love it. I am not working yet but have a phone interview with DHMC tomorrow and had an interview at a small hospital in the area today. Funny, I am originally from NC! I have not been up to Maine yet so I cannot speak to that state. Vermont and NH have similar topography but the politics vary quite a bit. Vermont appears to be more liberal where I would say that NH is more conservative in the sense of self reliance and personal liberties area. Upstate NY is beautiful but seems to be heavily influenced by the decisions made in the NYC area. If you want to message me I can answer more questions for you. Of course it's been so long since you posted, you might already have moved!

This thread is a bit old. In case anyone is still here. Want to know if you still got the job with the community hospital or DHMC?

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Specializes in Medical Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant.
On 8/14/2019 at 2:13 PM, Desy24 said:

This thread is a bit old. In case anyone is still here. Want to know if you still got the job with the community hospital or DHMC?

I’ve been working at DHMC since I was a new grad. If you have any questions about DHMC let me know!

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Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.

does anyone have some info about Portsmouth Regional hospital? I am possibly going to accept a position there. I live in Massachusetts near the NH border and am wondering if it is worth switching to this hospital. How is HCA as a company to work for? any advice is welcomed.. thanks

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Specializes in Medical Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant.
On 8/25/2020 at 11:51 AM, Erindel RN said:

does anyone have some info about Portsmouth Regional hospital? I am possibly going to accept a position there. I live in Massachusetts near the NH border and am wondering if it is worth switching to this hospital. How is HCA as a company to work for? any advice is welcomed.. thanks

Not a good place to work according to my colleagues who moved from Portsmouth Hospital. It sounds like they explicitly care much more about money than pt care. HCA has been notorious as a poor employer especially for nurses. Not worth a switch imo. I’m working in Mass now and honestly I’d much prefer the working conditions in Mass; plus I love having the union. 

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Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
3 hours ago, OncologyCat said:

Not a good place to work according to my colleagues who moved from Portsmouth Hospital. It sounds like they explicitly care much more about money than pt care. HCA has been notorious as a poor employer especially for nurses. Not worth a switch imo. I’m working in Mass now and honestly I’d much prefer the working conditions in Mass; plus I love having the union. 

Thank you I appreciate your honest advice.. I am afraid to make the switch. The hospital in Mass that I work for has the same reputation also. I am thinking I should just stay put.. 

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